Jana DeVaul
5th Grade Teacher
Barry Elementary
Hello! My name is Jana DeVaul. I am so excited to be a part of the Platte County family and teach 5th grade at Barry! I graduated from Northwest Missouri State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education. I am currently working on getting my Master's in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis K-12 at the University of Missouri. I love to read, spend time outside, visit with my family, and spend time at the lake doing lots of swimming and soaking in the sun.
My teaching philosophy centers on creating a nurturing, supportive classroom where every student feels valued, capable, and encouraged to grow. Fifth grade is an important transition period as students begin developing greater independence and discovering who they are, both academically and personally. I believe each child has unique gifts, strengths, and perspectives, and it is my role to help students recognize and build confidence in those abilities. By fostering curiosity, kindness, and resilience, I strive to create an environment where students feel safe taking risks, asking questions, and learning from mistakes. I want my classroom to inspire students to become thoughtful problem-solvers, compassionate classmates, and lifelong learners. Above all, I hope to guide students as they grow into young teenagers who believe in their potential and understand that their voice and contributions matter.